Rock House Firearms · Lufkin, TX · Water Transfer Printing
Hydro Dipping in Lufkin, TX
Water transfer printing for firearms, stocks, euro mounts, car parts, helmets and just about anything else that can be dipped. Camo, carbon fiber, wood grain, skulls and custom graphics — applied in-house and sealed with a durable clear coat.
From $150
Starting price
Single item
2–4 Weeks
Turnaround
Typical, depends on film
Huge Selection
Patterns
Camo, carbon, custom
What it is
What Is Hydro Dipping?
Hydro dipping — also called hydrographics or water transfer printing — wraps a printed film pattern around a three-dimensional object. The part is prepped and base-coated, a film is floated on water and activated, and the part is dipped through the film so the pattern wraps every curve and edge. It is then rinsed, dried and sealed with a clear coat for durability.
Because the film conforms to any shape, hydro dipping is the best way to put a full camo, carbon fiber or graphic pattern on items that are difficult to paint evenly: rifle stocks and handguards, shotgun receivers, bow risers, euro mounts and skull plaques, helmets, wheels and trim pieces, and more. Bring us the part and a pattern you like.
Quick facts
Starting price
From $150 per item — multi-part and large items quoted individually
Turnaround
Typically 2–4 weeks depending on film and workload
Patterns
Camo, carbon fiber, wood grain, skulls, flags and custom graphics
What we dip
Firearms, stocks, handguards, euro mounts, car parts, helmets and more
Drop-off
By appointment at our Lufkin shop, or ship non-firearm items to us
Options
Hydro Dip Options
Firearms
Rifle and shotgun stocks, handguards, receivers, pistol frames and slides in camo or custom film.
Euro Mounts
Skull mounts and plaques finished in camo, carbon, flag or custom film patterns.
Car Parts & More
Interior trim, emblems, wheels, helmets, bows and other hard-surface items.
Huge Film Selection
Hundreds of film patterns — bring us a reference or pick from our catalog.
Our process
How Hydro Dipping Works
1
Prep & Base Coat
The item is disassembled, cleaned, sanded and sprayed with a base color that shows through the film.
2
Float & Activate
The film is floated on water and activated so the ink becomes a liquid layer ready to transfer.
3
Dip
The part is dipped through the film so the pattern wraps every surface, then rinsed and dried.
4
Clear Coat & Reassemble
A durable clear coat seals the pattern. Firearms are reassembled and function-checked before pickup.
Our work
Hydro Dip Gallery
Recent hydro dip projects from the shop. New work is added regularly — send us a photo of the pattern you want and we’ll match it.
Questions
Hydro Dipping FAQ
Common questions about our hydro dipping service. More answers on the FAQ page.
How much does hydro dipping cost?
Hydro dipping starts at $150 per item. Complete firearms, multi-part jobs and large or complex items are quoted individually based on size, prep work and the film you choose. Request a quote and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
How long does hydro dipping take?
Most hydro dip jobs are completed in 2–4 weeks. Timing depends on prep, whether the film is in stock and how many items are in the job. We’ll confirm a timeline with your quote.
How durable is a hydro dip finish?
The film itself is thin, so the durability comes from the prep and the clear coat on top. Properly prepped and clear-coated, a hydro dip finish holds up well to normal handling, hunting and weather. It is not as hard as Cerakote, so for high-wear metal parts we may recommend Cerakote instead or a combination of the two.
What can be hydro dipped?
Almost any hard, non-porous surface that can be submerged: rifle and shotgun stocks, handguards, receivers, pistol frames and slides, bows, euro mounts and skull plaques, helmets, wheels, interior trim, emblems and more. If you’re not sure, send us a photo of the item.
Can I choose any pattern?
Yes — we have access to hundreds of film patterns including dozens of camo patterns, carbon fiber, wood grain, skulls, flags and abstract designs. Tell us the look you want or send a reference photo and we’ll match it as closely as possible.
Can I ship items to you for hydro dipping?
Non-firearm items and non-serialized parts (stocks, handguards, mounts, car parts) can be shipped straight to us. Serialized receivers and complete firearms must ship FFL-to-FFL from a licensed dealer. Contact us before shipping.
Have something to dip?
Get a Hydro Dip Quote
Tell us the item and the pattern you have in mind. Photos help — email them to services@rockhousefirearms.com after you submit the form.